Temporary footbridge returns to Darley Abbey

A temporary footbridge in Derby has been lifted back into place after safety work was completed ahead of schedule.

Walter's Walkway was installed on top of Darley Abbey Mills Bridge after it closed in May 2022 due to safety concerns.

However the prefabricated bridge was itself closed in December 2025 due to fresh concerns about the 1930s structure underneath before being lifted out in July to allow the original bridge to be demolished.

Now Walter's Walkway has been put back in place by a 470-tonne crane and is due to reopen in mid-November following the installation of new ramps and the completion of safety checks.

Darley ward councillor Carmel Swan, cabinet member for transport, said: "The communities at the mills and in the village have been cut off for several months and I'm delighted that the bridge is now in place."

In July, the walkway was lifted from the river entirely, to allow for the complete demolition of the original bridge.

Reinforcement of the riverbank followed, with new sheet piles being installed and the space filled in behind.

This work also included new concrete abutments, providing a sturdy foundation for Walter's Walkway, the council said.

Swan described the bridge being placed over the river again as a "huge moment" for the area.

"Thank you to everyone for your patience throughout this complex situation," she said.

"With Walter's Walkway back in place, we can now focus on delivering a new permanent bridge for Darley Abbey."

Demolition of the original structure and the reinstatement of Walter's Walkway was due to be complete by February 2027.

But the council said the project was completed four months ahead of schedule with support from the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

East Midlands mayor Claire Ward said: "I know how frustrating the closure has been for local people.

"We've helped fund the urgent work to get the walkway back in place, as well as supporting plans for a new permanent bridge."

In April, the city council said a permanent replacement could cost the authority upwards of £25m.

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